Apparatus for launching a ball

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for launching a ball is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a ball launching unit including a port for ejecting a ball and a support for supporting the ball launching unit. The ball launching unit is pivotably coupled to the support to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation intersects the port.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/519,722 filed Apr. 17, 2017, which is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/AU2015/000624 filed Oct. 16, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/065,231 filed Oct. 17, 2014. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for launching a ball, such as for example, a soccer ball. Embodiments of the present invention may be used as a sports or skill training aid, such as may be required, for example, in soccer training, to eject a ball towards a user to enable them to practice a particular skill.

BACKGROUND

In some ball sports, such as soccer, the ability to control a ball both on the ground and in the air is an essential skill for every player of the game. In training, a soccer player may practice skills such as, for example, dribbling the ball, first touch and control, passing, heading and trapping. A goalkeeper may also practice saving a ball struck towards the goals.

To improve a particular skill, a player repeats the skill many times. Practice of many of the above mentioned skills by a player may require a training partner or coach to serve or deliver the ball to the player in an accurate and repeatable manner. This type of delivery can be difficult to effectively achieve in practice, and furthermore a training partner may not always be available or willing to be involved for an entire training session.

In order to overcome these problems, machines for automatically launching or projecting a ball, such as a soccer ball, towards a player have been developed.

One example of a ball throwing machine is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0104869 to Lewis et al. Lewis et al discloses a ball delivery device that ejects balls through an opening formed in a housing of the device. The disclosed ball delivery device includes a pair of wheels for accelerating a soccer ball. The wheels are coupled to a bracket which is mounted to a frame. An adjustable length actuator is provided to vary an angle of the bracket and wheels relative to the frame to thereby change the trajectory of the ball when it is ejected by adjusting the length of the actuator to thereby vary a launch angle of the ball. This device permits only a limited degree of adjustment of the launch angle and is constrained, at least to some extent, by the operation of the actuator and the positional relationship between the ball delivery device and the opening of the housing through which the ball is ejected.

An alternative mechanism for controlling the launch angle in a soccer ball delivery device is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0032828 to Alger. Alger discloses a wheel assembly that is capable of adjusting the launch angle from approximately −5 degrees (ball is directed slightly downward) to approximately +30 degrees (ball is directed upward). The disclosed wheel assembly is rotatably mounted on top of a post and is rotatably adjustable relative to the post about an elevation axis using an elevation assembly which varies the angular relationship between the wheel assembly and the main post. The launch angle control mechanism disclosed in Alger is complex and expensive to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, the Alger device also only permits a limited degree of adjustment of the launch angle, in this case limited to a range of 35 degrees.

Another drawback of Alger is that because the wheel assembly is rotatably mounted on top of a post, as the wheel assembly rotates back and forth to vary the launch angle, the weight of the wheel assembly exerts a moment force on the post mounting structure. This may induce stress in the post mounting structure which may, over time, lead to mechanical failure of the launcher. Also, as the elevation axis is located below the wheels, when a ball is launched from the device, a kickback or recoil force from the launch will induce a moment about the elevation axis. This moment will tend to cause the wheel assembly to want to pivot about the elevation axis. The post mounting structure must therefore react this force which will induce further stress in the mounting structure.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus for launching a ball which overcomes some of the above mentioned difficulties or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for launching a ball, including:

-   -   a ball launching unit including a port for ejecting a ball; and     -   a support for supporting the ball launching unit,     -   wherein, the ball launching unit is pivotably coupled to the         support to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit         about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an         ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation         intersects the port.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit includes an upper wheel and a lower wheel that cooperate to eject the ball. The upper wheel and the lower wheel may be driven by motors, for example DC motors. The wheels apply a force to the ball resulting in an acceleration of the ball as it is ejected from the port.

It is preferred that the upper and lower wheels at least partially protrude into the port.

In an embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation extends between the upper wheel and the lower wheel. The horizontal axis of rotation may extend centrally through the port.

In some embodiments, the wheels may have a tread pattern to assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball.

A support according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of support members wherein the ball launching unit is supported between the support members. Each support member may comprise one or more legs for contacting the ground.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include a hopper for storing one or more balls for feeding to the ball launching unit and wherein during rotation of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axis of rotation, the orientation of the hopper relative to the ball launching unit remains fixed.

In embodiments, the hopper is fixed to the ball launching unit. In other words, the ball launching unit may have an integrated hopper.

In order to controllably release balls from the hopper into the port, the ball launching unit may include a solenoid controllable to allow a ball to be fed from the hopper into the port. It is preferred that the solenoid includes a shaft that extends into the hopper.

In embodiments, the hopper includes a sloped upper portion and a lower guiding portion. Preferably the shaft of the solenoid extends into the hopper between the sloped upper portion and the lower guiding portion. The shaft of the solenoid is retractable which releases or drops a ball from the sloped upper portion to the lower guiding portion which guides the ball into the port.

It is preferred that at least part of the sloped upper portion is disposed above the ball launching unit.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit includes control electronics for enabling remote control of at least one function of the ball launching unit.

Preferably, at least one function of the ball launching unit includes angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axis, actuation of the solenoid and wheel speed.

In embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more batteries to power the ball launching unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for launching a ball, including:

-   -   a ball launching unit including:         -   a housing having a port for receiving a ball and ejecting             the received ball;     -   a pair of support members for supporting the ball launching unit         above the ground, the support members spaced apart about         opposing sides of the housing;     -   wherein, the housing is pivotably coupled to the support members         to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a         horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected         ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends         through the port.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes an integrated hopper for feeding one or more balls to the ball launching unit.

In an embodiment, the ball launching unit further includes a first wheel located in an upper portion of the housing and a second wheel located in a lower portion of the housing and wherein rotation of the first and second wheels applies a force to the ball as it passes through the port to eject the ball from the housing.

It is preferred that the first wheel is coupled to a first shaft of a first motor and the second wheel is coupled to a second shaft of a second motor and wherein the first and second shafts are parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation.

In an embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation is disposed midway between the first wheel and the second wheel.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide improved control and adjustability of the launch angle of a ball. A particular advantage of the present invention is that it may provide a compact and stable apparatus for launching a ball that may provide a user with improved control and adjustability of the launch angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an apparatus for launching a ball according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the front;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 viewed from the rear;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the housing of the ball launching unit shown in outline only to illustrate the positional relationship between the first and second wheel assemblies;

FIG. 7A to 7C are side views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the ball launching unit pivoting relative to the support assembly about a horizontal axis of rotation;

FIG. 8A to 8C are sectional side views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing operation of the solenoid;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic control system that may be used to control the apparatus;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a control process that may be used to launch one or more balls from the apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for launching a ball according to an another embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an embodiment of an apparatus 10 for launching a ball. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 10 is a soccer ball launcher used to launch or eject a soccer ball towards a user to enable the user to practice a particular skill such as passing, heading and trapping the ball. The user may be, for example, an athlete using the apparatus 10 to rehearse a ball handling skill, or a child using the apparatus 10 for enjoyment. Before continuing, it is to be noted that although the described embodiment relates to an apparatus 10 for launching a soccer ball, it is envisaged that embodiments may be used for a wide range of ball sports involving spherically shaped balls, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, baseball, softball, netball, cricket, and hockey.

As shown, the illustrated apparatus 10 includes a ball launching unit 100 rotatably coupled to a support assembly 20 which supports the ball launching unit 100 above the ground. The ball launching unit 100 includes a housing or chassis 110 having a body 112 with an opening therethrough forming a port 114 for ejecting a ball. The housing 110 may be manufactured from any suitable material. One example of a suitable material is ultra-violet (UV) light stabilised linear low density polyethylene. The apparatus 10 also includes a hopper or chute 30 for storing one or more balls for controllable release to the port 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 30 is integrated with the ball launching unit 100.

The port 114 includes an inlet 116 for receiving a ball from the hopper 30 and an outlet 118 through which the ball is ejected. In use, the port 114 receives a ball from the hopper 30. The received ball is then accelerated from the ball launching unit 100 by first and second wheel assemblies 140, 150 that cooperate to accelerate the ball and eject it from the port 114.

The support assembly 20 depicted in FIG. 1 preferably provides a stable platform for the ball launching unit 100 by distributing and absorbing loads from the unit 100. When in use, such loads may be due to kickback or recoil forces which may be generated when a ball is launched. As best shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated support assembly 20 includes a pair of spaced apart support members 22 disposed about opposing sides of the housing 110 of the ball launching unit 100. In the present case, each support member 22 includes a pair of support legs 24 that are secured to a respective connecting member, shown here as a leg plate 25. In the present case each leg plate 25 receives an end of each of the support legs 24 in an arrangement which allows each support leg 24 to be removed from its respective leg plate 25, such as may be required for packing or transport. The support legs 24 of each support member 22 are angled apart so as to form a suitably wide footprint to stabilise the apparatus 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, each opposite pair of support legs 24 has an associated ground contacting member 23 which extends laterally so as to bridge the opposite support legs 24 of the support members 22. In embodiments, the bridging of the opposite support legs 24 is expected to improve the rigidity of support assembly 20. Although in the present case separate ground contacting members 23 are shown, it will be appreciated that ground contacting members 23 could be replaced with a single piece arrangement, such as a plate like structure that connects all of the legs 24 together.

As shown, the ground contacting members 23 may include teeth or other suitably shaped portions to assist in engaging, or gripping, the ground contacting members 23 with the ground and thus assist with reducing or preventing undesired slipping type movement of the ball launching unit 100 relative to the ground in use. Alternatively, in some embodiments, pegs or other suitable securing means, may be used to secure the ground contacting members 23 to the ground.

Turning now to the ball launching unit 100, in the present case the ball launching unit 100 is rotatably coupled to the support assembly 20. In the present case, and as will be described in more detail below, a rotatable coupling arrangement is provided using the leg plates 25 and axle bolts 27. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements may be used. In the present case, each leg plate 25 includes an aperture for receiving an axle bolt 27 that is fastened to the body 112 of the housing 110 to permit rotation of the body 112 (with respect to the support assembly 20) about a horizontal axis of rotation 5 (ref. FIG. 5). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 is determined by the longitudinal axis of each axle bolt 27 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 intersects the port 114 and in the depicted embodiment extends centrally through the port 114. Advantages of this configuration are discussed later.

Rotation of the ball launching unit 100 about the support assembly 20 provides means to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball. Each leg plate 25 further includes a slot 28 for receiving an adjustment and locking element 29, shown here as a knob, that is also fastened into the body 112 of the housing 110 by suitable means. When the locking element 29 is fastened tightly, the ball launching unit 100 is locked in position with respect to the support assembly 20. As the locking element 29 is loosened, the ball launching unit 100 is able to rotate with respect to the support assembly 20 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 in order to set the desired launch angle. As the unit 100 is rotated, a shaft of the adjustment element 29 traverses along the slot 28. The slot 28 thus controls the degree of rotation or angular adjustment that is permitted. When the unit 100 is in a desired angular position, the locking element 29 is re-tightened to fix the position of the unit 100 with respect to the support assembly 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 to 6, the apparatus 10 is shown in further detail. With respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, exploded views of the apparatus 10 are illustrated. In these views, the first or upper wheel assembly 140 is shown exploded. However, for clarity the second or lower wheel assembly 150 is not shown in an exploded view.

FIG. 6 shows further detail of the positional relationship between the first and second wheel assemblies 140, 150 with only an outline of the housing 110 of the ball launching unit 100 shown. As previously described, in the illustrated embodiment, the ball launching unit 100 includes a housing or chassis 110 which itself includes the body 112, a top cover 120 and a lower cover 130. The top and bottom covers 120, 130 preferably mate with the body 112 to seal the housing 100 from ingress of dust and moisture. The top cover 120 and lower cover 130 are respectively located above the first wheel assembly 140 that is located in an upper portion of the body 112 of the housing 110 and below the second first wheel assembly 150 that is located in a lower portion of the body 112 of the housing 110. In preference, the top cover 120 and a lower cover 130 are removable from the body 112 to allow access to internal components of the apparatus 10 for replacement and/or servicing.

The first wheel assembly 140 includes a first wheel 141 coupled to a first shaft 144 of a first motor 143. In an embodiment, the first motor 143 is a brushless braked DC motor having a power of between 60 W and 110 W, however other suitable electric motors may be used. In embodiments including one or more braked motors, the brakes may have an inactive or released state when the motors 143, 153 are operational for ejecting a ball, or be activated once a ball is ejected, or after the apparatus has completed a cycle of multiple ball ejections, to thereby apply a braking force to the motors and stop rotation of wheels 141, 151 substantially immediately. The motor brakes may include, for example, a 24 volt electromagnet that attaches to the rear of a respective motor. The first wheel 141 further includes outer circumferential surface, shown here as a tyre 142, that provides a tread pattern to assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball from the unit 100.

The first wheel 141 is located so as to at least partially protrude into the port 114. The first motor 143 is mounted to a front face of a mounting plate 145 and the motor shaft 144 is support by a bearing plate 146. The wheel 141 is located between the support plate 145 and bearing plate 146. The support plate 145 and bearing plate 146 are joined to mounting plates 147 that are fastened to the body 12 of the housing 110. The mounting plates 147 may also be used to mount a battery support, shown here as battery support plates 172, to accommodate the mounting of a battery 170 as shown.

The second wheel assembly 150 is located in a lower portion of the housing 110. The second wheel assembly 150 includes a second wheel 151 coupled to a second shaft 154 of a second motor 153 (ref. FIG. 6). Preferably, the second motor 153 is of the same type as the first motor 143 so as to have similar performance characteristics. Similarly, the second wheel 151 is of the same configuration as the first wheel assembly 140 further includes a tyre 152 that provides a tread pattern to assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball from the unit 100 and is located to at least partially protrude into the port 114. The second wheel assembly 150 is mounted in the same manner as previously described in respect of the first wheel assembly 140. As shown most clearly in FIG. 6 however, the first and second wheel assemblies 140, 150 are configured to be oppositely disposed within the housing 110. For example, when the apparatus 10 is viewed from the front, the first wheel assembly 140 is configured such that the motor 143 is disposed to the right of the wheel 141 and the battery 170 is disposed to the left of the wheel 141. The second wheel assembly 150 is opposite to this. An advantage of this configuration is that the weight is evenly distributed about the unit 100 such that the unit 100 is well balanced and the centre of mass of the unit 100 is approximately in the centre of the unit 100. When arranged in this manner, the motors 143, 153 can also be wired with the same polarity such that they spin in the same direction (in local reference planes). In a global reference plane, the motors 143, 153 (and therefore wheels 141, 151) spin in opposite directions. As a ball passes between the spinning wheels 141, 151, the wheels 141, 151 cooperate to apply a force to the ball to accelerate the ball from the unit 100. In an example, suitable DC motors that may be employed are 24V, 100 W motors powered by two 12V batteries 170 wired to deliver the required 24V.

As the motors 143, 153 are disposed horizontally, the respective shafts 144, 154 of each motor 143, 153 are parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation 5. Furthermore, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 extends between the upper wheel 141 and the lower wheel 151. As most clearly in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 may extend approximately midway between the upper wheel 141 and the lower wheel 151. An advantage of this placement of the horizontal axis of rotation 5 is that when a ball is launched from the unit 100, force vectors due to kickback or recoil will intersect the horizontal axis of rotation 5. In other words, there is no moment about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 that is induced from a ball launch. The unit 100 may therefore have rotational stability about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 during ball launch. As previously mentioned, the horizontal axis of rotation 5 also intersects the port 114 and in the depicted embodiment extends centrally through the port 114. Due to the configuration of the wheel assemblies 140, 150 in the housing 110, the centre of mass of the ball launching unit 100 may be located approximately in the centre of the unit 100. The horizontal axis of rotation 5 may therefore, in some embodiments, extend through the centre of mass of the unit 100 or very close thereto. Locating the horizontal axis of rotation 5 through the centre of mass of the unit 100 is advantageous as the unit 100 tends to be rotationally stable or balanced about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 under its own weight. The above mentioned advantages of the position of the horizontal axis of rotation 5 relative to the upper and lower wheels 141, 151 and the centre of mass of the unit 100 may provide for increased longevity of the apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus 10 further includes a solenoid 160. In the present case, the solenoid 160 is located in the upper portion of the body 112 of the housing 110. The solenoid 160 includes a shaft or plunger 162 which extends rearward from the body 112 toward the hopper 30. The illustrated solenoid 160 is mounted to a bracket 164 which is secured inside the body 112 of the housing 110. When the top cover 120 is seated on the body 112, the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 is adapted to project through an aperture in the top cover 120. The solenoid 160 may include a pull-type solenoid that retracts upon activation. In an unenergised state, the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 extends into the hopper 30 and precludes the one or more balls stored in the hopper from being released. On the other hand, when the solenoid 160 is energised, the shaft 162 momentarily retracts such that it no longer projects into the hopper 30. In this state, a ball is released and drops down towards the inlet 116 of the port 114 to be ejected from the unit 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 further includes an electronics module, shown here as printed circuit board (PCB) 180, which is mounted to a support plate 182. In the present case, the support plate 182 is adapted to be mounted inside the body 112 of the housing 110. The PCB 180 includes control electronics such as a receiver, microcontroller and motor drivers which control operation of the apparatus 10. The control electronics and operation of the apparatus 10 will be described in further detail later.

The hopper or chute 30 will now be described in further detail. In the illustrated embodiment (refer FIG. 5), the hopper 30 is constructed from a pair of inner wires or tubes 37 and a pair of outer wires or tubes 38. The tubes 37, 38 have end portions 39 which are adapted to be received in receptacles formed in lugs 119 located in the port 114 of the housing 110. In FIG. 5, one of the lower mounting lugs 119 is shown. The lugs 119 therefore function to locate the respective end portions 39 of the tubes 37, 38. The hopper 30 is rigidly connected or fixed to the housing 110 via an upper hopper mount 31 and a lower hopper mount 32 which are fastened to the rear of the body 112 of the housing 110. In this way, the hopper 30 is an integrated hopper, that is, the hopper 30 is integrated with the ball launching unit 100. During rotation of the ball launching unit 100 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5, the orientation of the hopper 30 relative to the ball launching unit 100 remains fixed. The tubes 37, 38 are stiffened by a first ring element 35 and a second ring element 36 that have sleeves 37 which slidably engage over portions of the tubes 37, 38.

The hopper 30 is preferably shaped in a manner which allows the weight of balls stored in the hopper 30 to be evenly distributed to portions of the inner and outer tubes 37, 38. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing a sloped upper portion 33 above the solenoid 160. The sloped upper portion 33 may form a ramp for holding balls in preparation for release. The portion of the hopper 30 below the solenoid 160 may provide a lower guiding portion 34 for guiding a ball once released into the inlet 116 of the port 114. In an embodiment, the shaft or plunger 162 of the solenoid 160 extends into the hopper 30 between the sloped upper portion 33 and the lower guiding portion 34. As previously explained, the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 may be retracted to release or drop a ball from the sloped upper portion 33 to the lower guiding portion 34 which guides the ball into the port 114. In an embodiment, the sloped upper portion 33 is disposed above the ball launching unit 100. Such an arrangement may assist in balancing the apparatus 10 with the hopper 30 mounted to the ball launching unit 100.

FIG. 11 depicts an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10 including a hopper 41. The hopper 41 shown in FIG. 11 is similar to the hopper 30 depicted in FIG. 5 with the exception that the sloped upper portion 33 of hopper 41 slopes in a rearward direction. A hopper arrangement of the type shown in FIG. 11 may provide for improved guidance of balls to the ball launching unit 100, particularly when multiple balls are located in the hopper 41, as is shown in FIG. 11.

It is also to be noted that the apparatus 10 depicted in FIG. 11 includes a support assembly 20 including lockable wheels 42 attached to each support member 22 to permit rotation and or movement of the apparatus 10 relative to a supporting surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 is secured to a supporting surface via a support 44 which permits rotational translation of the apparatus 10 about a vertical axis of rotation 46 in co-operation with the wheels 42. In the present case, the support 44 includes a turntable 48 to which each support member 22 is removably attached via suitable means, such as fasteners. It will of course be appreciated that any suitable support 44 may be used. Further, it is possible that the support 44 may be motorised using a suitable motor system so as to permit control of the rotational translation of the apparatus 10 in use. A motorised system may also allow for remote control of the rotational translation of the apparatus 10 about the vertical axis 46.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C which show the range of angular adjustment of the ball launching unit 100 relative to the support assembly 20. FIG. 7A shows the ball launching unit 100 set at a maximum degree of upward tilt. In this position, the launch angle of an ejected ball is greatest. The adjustment element 29 is at a forward end of the guide slot 28. FIG. 7B shows the ball launching unit 100 set at a midway position such that the adjustment element 29 is positioned approximately in the middle of the guide slot 28. FIG. 7C shows the ball launching unit 100 set at a maximum degree of downward tilt. In this position, the launch angle of an ejected ball is a minimum. In this position, the adjustment element 29 is at a rearward end of the guide slot 28. The adjustment range shown in FIGS. 7A-7C provides launch angles to the vertical ranging from approximately −40° to +400.

Now referring to FIGS. 8A-8C which show the apparatus 10 in section through the wheels 141, 151, the operation of the solenoid 160 (ball release mechanism) is shown in further detail. In FIG. 8A, a plurality of balls 2 are stored in the hopper 30 waiting to be released. The shaft 162 of the solenoid 160 extends partly into the hopper 30 and blocks the balls 2 from falling into the lower guiding portion 34 of the hopper 30. Only a minimal amount of weight acts on the shaft 162 of the solenoid 160, with the majority of the weight of the balls 2 supported by the sloped upper portion 33 of the hopper 30. In FIG. 8B, the solenoid 160 has been energised which momentarily retracts the shaft 162 and allows a single ball to be released from the sloped upper portion 33 to the lower guiding portion 34. The released ball falls down and is guided by the lower guiding portion 34 to the inlet 116 of the port 114. FIG. 8C show the solenoid 160 de-energised such that the shaft 162 blocks the further release of balls. Illustrated in dashed outline is the path of the first released ball 2 as it moves through the port 114 and is ejected from the ball launching unit 100.

A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic control system that may be used to control the apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. 9. In an embodiment, a microcontroller 200 is used to control the apparatus 10. In an embodiment, a transmitter 202 is used to send remote user signals to the apparatus 10. The transmitter 202 may include a user operable device such as a wired or wireless remote control, a mobile phone, mobile computer, tablet, smart watch, infrared controller or the like.

In embodiments, a user may activate a control of the user operable device, such as a push button or a graphically represented control on a touch activated device, in order to control a function of the apparatus 10 such as ‘single fire’, ‘continuous ball release’, ‘wheel speed’, ‘launch angle’, ‘training program’ etc. It will also be appreciated that the transmitter 202 may be activated by other types of user control, such as by voice activation or by gesture activation. Voice activation may involve, for example, a user providing a verbal command such as “launch” to an audio signal processor (not shown) operatively associated with the transmitter 202. Gesture activation may involve video processing a video signal (such as from a camera) operatively associated with the transmitter 202, or detecting a predetermined type of movement of the user operable device, such as a “swish” movement, a hand gesture, a head movement, or the like. In this respect, different types of gestures may be associated with different types of user command.

Signals transmitted by the transmitter 202 are received by a receiver 208 on the apparatus 10. The receiver 208 decodes a received signal and sends an appropriate instruction to the microcontroller 200 to execute the desired user command. In other embodiments, the receiver 208 may be a module of a transceiver device which can communicate back to the transmitter 202. The transmitter 202 may communicate wirelessly to the receiver 208 by radio frequency (RF), infrared (IF), WiFi (IEEE 802.11x), Bluetooth, Zigbee or any other standard protocol(s).

As shown in FIG. 9, one or more sensors 220 may be provided to serve as inputs to the microcontroller 200. Such sensors may include, for example, a proximity sensor for detecting whether a person is standing too close to the apparatus 10 and thus in danger of being hurt. One example of a suitable proximity sensor is an ultrasonic sensor which may be able to detect a solid mass within a certain area of the apparatus 10. In such circumstances, if a person is detected within a certain distance, the microcontroller 200 may for example abort a user command for safety. Other sensors may also be employed, for example to detect when the hopper 30 is empty. In further embodiments, it is envisaged that at least one function of the ball launching unit 100 that may be controlled remotely is angular adjustment of the ball launching unit 100 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5. In these embodiments, a motor may be used to rotate the unit 100 about the horizontal axis of rotation 5 to vary the launch angle. Such a system may additionally require a rotary encoder or other type of angular position sensor to detect when the angle of the ball launching unit 100 reaches a desired value.

A user control interface 212 may be provided on the apparatus 10 to enable the user to send certain commands to the microcontroller 200. For example, an ON/OFF button or switch 40 may be provided to power on the apparatus 10 and a motor speed dial or control knob 50 may be provided to adjust the desired set point speed of the motors 143, 153. A resettable fuse 60 may also be provided to protect the circuit. An event which may for example trigger the fuse 60, is when an over inflated ball jams between the wheels and overloads the motors.

A timer 220 may communicate with the microcontroller 200 and be used to set predetermined time intervals for certain events such as activating motors 143, 153, solenoid 160 etc.

The microcontroller 200 sends command signals to a control interface 218 which controls the various output devices of the apparatus 10 including the first motor 143, the second motor 153, the solenoid 160 and other indicator 70 (which may include warning lights and other features. Of course, in embodiments of the apparatus 10 where the ball launching unit is rotated automatically (for example, by varying the launch angle or rotation about a vertical axis to change the direction of the unit), other output devices such as additional motors (not shown) may be used. The control interface 218 may include motor drivers, solenoid control circuits, lighting control circuits. Suitable motor drivers may include a potentiometer for speed variation.

The microcontroller 200, receiver 208, timer 220 and control interface 218 are powered by a power supply 210. In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 10 is battery powered however in other embodiments the apparatus 10 may be plugged into a socket and powered by mains electricity. The apparatus 10 may also have a recharging port that accepts a recharging system that is plugged directly into a power socket.

A flow diagram of an embodiment of a control process for controlling the apparatus 10 is provided in FIG. 10. First, at step 300, a user turns on power to the apparatus 10. This may be done by pressing an ON/OFF button or switch 40 located on the housing 110. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be powered on and off remotely. At step 302, a user sets the motor speed which is the desired speed set-point for the motors to run at when activated. The apparatus 10 may have a dial or similar speed control knob or button 50 located on the housing 110. Alternatively, the motor speed may be set remotely using a remote user device.

In an embodiment, the motor speed may be varied from about 800 RPM to about 3000 RPM. At step 304, with the actual speed controlling the launch speed of a ball. The microcontroller 200 receives a user command of ‘single fire’ or ‘continuous release’. This dual functionality may enable the apparatus 10 to launch a single ball or to continuously release balls from the hopper 30 at a predetermined time interval. For example, balls may be ejected every 5-8 seconds. The user command may be transmitted from a user device, such as the transmitter 202, and received by the receiver 208 located on the apparatus 10.

At step 306, in response to a user command, the microcontroller 200 sends a signal to the upper and lower motors 143, 153 to activate. The motors 143, 153 will begin to run and wind up to the speed set point. It may take several seconds for the motors 143, 153 to reach the desired speed. After a predetermined time interval, at step 308, the microcontroller 200 sends a signal to activate the solenoid 160 to retract the shaft or plunger 162 momentarily to release a ball. The released ball then drops into the port 114 where it is ejected from the unit 100 by the spinning wheels 141, 151. At step 312, if the user command was for a ‘single launch’ then after a predetermined time interval, power is cut to the motors 143, 153 and the motors 143, 153 are brought to rest. The apparatus 10 will then remain in stand-by mode waiting for further user commands. If the original user command was for ‘continuous release’ then after the first ball launch, the microcontroller 200 again sends a signal to activate the solenoid 160 to release a further ball to be ejected. The microcontroller 200 will continue launching balls until the hopper 30 is empty and requiring a reload. When the hopper 30 is empty, at this point, power is cut to the motors so that they can be brought to rest.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for launching a ball, including: a ball launching unit including a port for ejecting a ball; and a support for supporting the ball launching unit, wherein, the ball launching unit is pivotably coupled to the support to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation intersects the port.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ball launching unit includes an upper wheel and a lower wheel that cooperate to eject the ball.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the upper and lower wheels at least partially protrude into the port.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends between the upper wheel and the lower wheel.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends centrally through the port.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the support includes a pair of support members and the ball launching unit is supported between the support members.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein each support member comprises one or more legs for contacting the ground.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a hopper for storing one or more balls for feeding to the ball launching unit and wherein during rotation of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axis of rotation, the orientation of the hopper relative to the ball launching unit remains fixed.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the hopper is fixed to the ball launching unit.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the ball launching unit includes a solenoid controllable to allow a ball to be fed from the hopper into the port.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the solenoid includes a shaft that extends into the hopper.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the hopper includes a sloped upper portion and a lower guiding portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the shaft of the solenoid extends into the hopper between the sloped upper portion and the lower guiding portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the shaft of the solenoid is retractable to release of a ball from the sloped upper portion to the lower guiding portion which guides the ball into the port.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein at least part of the sloped upper portion is disposed above the ball launching unit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ball launching unit includes control electronics for enabling remote control of at least one function of the ball launching unit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one function of the ball launching unit includes angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about the horizontal axis of rotation.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the at least one function of the ball launching unit includes actuation of the solenoid.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 further including one or more batteries to power the ball launching unit.
 20. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the wheels have a tread pattern to assist in ejecting a wet or damp ball.
 21. An apparatus for launching a ball, including: a ball launching unit including: a housing having a port for receiving a ball and ejecting the received ball; a pair of support members for supporting the ball launching unit above the ground, the support members spaced apart about opposing sides of the housing; wherein, the housing is pivotably coupled to the support members to permit angular adjustment of the ball launching unit about a horizontal axis of rotation to vary a launch angle of an ejected ball, and wherein the horizontal axis of rotation extends through the port.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 further including an integrated hopper for feeding one or more balls to the ball launching unit.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the ball launching unit further includes a first wheel located in an upper portion of the housing and a second wheel located in a lower portion of the housing and wherein rotation of the first and second wheels applies a force to the ball as it passes through the port to eject the ball from the housing.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first wheel is coupled to a first shaft of a first motor and the second wheel is coupled to a second shaft of a second motor and wherein the first and second shafts are parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the horizontal axis of rotation is disposed midway between the first wheel and the second wheel. 